Mixcraft 5 Review/views

[dave robinson]

Does Audacity allow you to perform all the same functions demonstrated on the Mixcraft demo ? If so it's a no brainer - if not it's pointless considering it.

[ecca]

Thanks Ecc

My pleasure mate.

[keithmantle]

Does Audacity allow you to perform all the same functions demonstrated on the Mixcraft demo ? If so it's a no brainer - if not it's pointless considering it.

Perhaps a member can advise if it does/doesn't . Thanks to all. Keith

[Detailed Infinity]

Does Audacity allow you to perform all the same functions demonstrated on the Mixcraft demo ? If so it's a no brainer - if not it's pointless considering it.

It seems you're asking a simple question and getting 'ping-ponged' Keith.

Audacity is an single track sound editor whereas Mixcraft 5 is a multi-track mixer which within each track you can apply differing efx.

So if you're looking for a digital multi-track recorder then it's as Robbo said 'a no brainer' if it's a single track editor then Audacity probably is the answer. That's the difference between the two.

You could of course add Audacity to your programes as an addition if you wished and edit one of the tracks and insert it into Mixcraft when done--it's free so nothing spoiling.

I hope that clears it up.

Bri

[keithmantle]

Hi Bri, thanks for the clarification, regards Keith

[George Lewis]

Hi Keith,
Just to clarify further ....
Mixcraft 5 is definitely value for money ... but only if you need all it's features (which at this stage you don't.) ... V6 due soon, will be even better and have many more features you don't need.

If you have had a chance to watch some of the Audacity tutorials you will know that actually it is a Multi Track AUDIO recorder/Editor/Mixer DAW which is very well supported and free. As Ecca says it is probably the simplest DAW for the beginner and certainly has all the features you need. (Except the dishwasher)
Depending on your hardware, it can record up to 16 AUDIO tracks simultaneously and can edit and mix an unlimited number of AUDIO tracks ... (provided you have lots of patience). Otherwise it is very good at doing all the simple things simply, especially recording a single guitar (as many times as you like) with a BT.
I say AUDIO in caps, because unlike Mixcraft and others, at present it can't edit Midi or Video tracks or record Midi tracks ... except as audio.

Apart from price and the Midi aspect, the biggest single difference between Audacity and DAW's like Mixcraft, Reaper (another reasonably priced one) as well as the other well marketed mid level DAW's, is that Audacity uses "destructive" editing and you cannot muck around with effects parameters in real time. However, it is very easy to preview an effect and it has an unlimited "undo" feature (my favourite !).

Not to suggest it adds any weight but I use Audacity for recording and initial editing, then transfer to Reaper for mucking around with mastering stuff.

My suggestion would be try Audacity and spend the 40 quid on phone calls to Mr. Ecca. If by Christmas you have mastered the art of loops, virtual instruments, midi keyboard input and making your own fabulous BT's then get a copy of Mixcraft.

cheers
George

[RayL]

For single or multitrack audio editing on computer I normally use the audio features of a video editing program (Adobe Premiere). This is because Premiere has the ability to scrub the timeline (move the cursor by hand using the mouse) and, with a steady hand, play the timeline just as if the 'Play' button had been pressed. This gives complete control for editing because the sound is comprehensible over a wide range of scrub speed.

From memories of using audio editing programs in the past, this has not been possible. Does Mixcraft allow smooth timeline scrubbing?

Ray

[keithmantle]

Thanks Guys for all the help/advice, regards Keith

[Detailed Infinity]

I give up--I really do. This poor guy must be absolutely bewildered. Why didn't people come in earlier with the latter info? Too much hiden agenda and behind the scenes 'sitting back and watching the kettle boil.'

Deleted messages aren't the end of the world for God's sake and aren't the reason for taking humbrage. I've had my share and I've just taken it on the chin.

B.